8 Most Inviting Towns in Maryland
Frequently referred to as “America in miniature”, Maryland is home to beautiful waterfronts, sloping mountains, and a diverse landscape. It is best known for Chesapeake Bay and delectable seafood.
While smaller than other states, its natural beauty, history, and a multitude of activities make Maryland a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the luxuries of modernity and still have ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
If you are planning a trip to Little America, you won’t want to miss stopping in these eight most inviting towns in Maryland.
Havre de Grace
A charming town with scenic trails, waterfront views, festivals, parks, and more, Havre de Grace is located where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
The town’s history dates back to the pre-Civil War era and is home to several historic attractions and museums like the Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum. Built in 1827, it is the oldest lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay open to the public and its exhibitions explain the history of the town’s landmarks.
The area surrounding the lighthouse is Concord Point Park, it overlooks the Chesapeake Bay/Susquehanna River meeting point and gives visitors easy access to other nearby attractions like the Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace Promenade, and Boardwalk.
Berlin
Dubbed the “Coolest small town in America”, Berlin has 47 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. It officially became a town in 1868. To view local memorabilia and learn about the town’s history, stop at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum (Open from May to October).
There are four family-friendly parks around town. Stephen Decatur Park comprises 21 acres of land and includes racquetball and tennis courts, a picnic area, and a playground. The other smaller parks are Heron Park, John Howard Burbage Park, and Dr. William Henry Park.
To view Berlin from a different perspective, book a tour with Ayers Creek Kayak and Canoe Adventures. Travel through peaceful marshlands and streams and view the local bird population and fish species.
Chestertown
Situated on the banks of the Chester River sits Chestertown. Founded in 1706, the town is home to Washington College and offers visitors plenty to see and do.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking, and canoeing at Tuckahoe State Park, or explore 35 acres of lush greenery at the Brampton Inn Gardens.
Chestertown is an artistic hot spot and therefore, has several art galleries worth exploring such as MassoniArt Gallery, Hegland Glass (glass art), and the River Arts Gallery.
If you find yourself in town over the weekend, be sure to check out Chestertown Farmers Market in Fountain Park. It is open year-round and sells local handicrafts, bread, soap, fresh-cut flowers, and more.
St. Michaels
Once a bustling seaport, St. Michaels still maintains its nautical charm. While in town, visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits, an 18-acre waterfront marina, and a store.
Car enthusiasts will appreciate a stop at the Classic Motor Museum to explore its extensive vintage car collection.
Understandably, no trip to St. Michaels would be complete without a cruise. Visitors can go fishing on the Bay, enjoy a sunset cruise, or sail around the harbor. Book an experience with Love and Dreams Bay Cruises or Patriot Narrated Historical Cruises.
Leonardtown
Known as “a most convenient place”, Leonardtown has a host of great things to do. Not too far from town is the Newtowne Neck State Park, where visitors can paddle in Breton Bay or down the Potomac River as well as hike, bird watch, and hunt.
The Old Jail Museum and Tudor Hall are a couple of Leonardtown’s most popular historic landmarks. Built in 1744, Tudor Hall is a Georgian-style house featuring a triple fireplace and hanging staircase.
Once used as the sheriff’s office, The Old Jail Museum was constructed in 1876. Today visitors can take a tour to view the original cells, artifacts, and the jail keeper’s rooms.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a waterfront community in Dorchester County with a scenic historic district that includes parks, brick-lined streets, a marina, and a lighthouse.
Most visitors to the area head to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to photograph birds, enjoy the scenery, or go biking or paddling. The refuge is 20,000 acres of open fields, wetlands, and forests.
Choptank River Lighthouse is another popular attraction. Open from May to October, it is free to visit and is a replica of a lighthouse that was once used to guide mariners down the Choptank River.
Princess Anne
Named after the daughter of Queen Anne and King George, Princess Anne is known for its historic homes such as the Teackle Mansion. The mansion was completed in 1819 and is now home to the Somerset County Historical Society and is open for tours.
Princess Anne rests along the Manokin River and features a park with the same name, Manokin River Park. The park is family-friendly with a playground, picnic tables, grills, and waterfront seating. There are opportunities to get out on the water in canoes or kayaks.
La Plata
A walking-friendly small town, La Plata is home to many quaint coffee shops and diverse restaurants. The Galazio Restaurant, Hunan Star, and the Wee Bean Coffee Roasters are just a few delicious spots to dine at.
After grabbing a bite to eat, head outside for a walk around Tilghman Lake Park or Silver Linden Park. Some of the town’s most visited attractions include The La Plata Firehouse Museum, McConchie One-Room School House (a school for African American children that opened in 1912 and closed in 1952), and Port Tobacco Players Inc (a volunteer-based live theater).
Berlin, Chestertown, Princess Anne, and other towns throughout Maryland may be small, but they are certainly welcoming and offer visitors a vast array of fun activities.
From a relaxing walk around Lake Tilghman Park to birdwatching in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge or dining at the Galazio, each of these towns offers unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that can only be found in Maryland.
So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy your next vacation, consider these eight inviting towns in Maryland.
